O’Donoghue Double Steers Munster ‘A’ To Away Victory

As the senior side triumphed at Thomond Park, Mick O'Driscoll's 'A' side got back to winning ways thanks to tries in each half from Academy player and 'A' team captain Jack O'Donoghue and an impressive return to action from Johnny Holland.

The Munster out-half made his comeback from a shoulder injury picked up on his senior debut last month and converted both of the Waterford man's tries and added three penalties to his tally to clinch the round 3 victory.

Munster 'A' led 13-0 at the break but tries from Matt Everard and Paul Grant got Nottingham back in the tie only for Holland and O'Donoghue to settle the issue in the closing stages.

Sean McCarthy's yellow card just before the break was the one setback of the first 40 minutes for the province.

Munster 'A' were forced back on their heels in the opening minutes of the second half, Dan Mugford missing a kick at goal for Nottingham before number 8 Grant rampaged over five minutes in.

Out-half Mugford was off target with two further kicks his side could not afford to miss and he was then sacrificed.

Will Maisey came on for Mugford and converted a wonderful try from openside flanker Everard in the 67th minute that brought Nottingham back to within a point at 13-12.

But Munster remained composed and Holland gave them a four-point lead. They then got their second try through O'Donoghue after some more intense pressure.

Holland converted to confirm the visitors as 11-point winners. This vital result sees Munster 'A' regain top spot in Pool 2 ahead of leaders Worcester Warriors' trip to Moseley on Saturday.

Referee: Rhys Thomas (Wales)